Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Water of Harike Wetland, India: Source and Health Risk Assessment

Amidst industrialization and urbanization, wetlands face pollution challenges. We investigated the seasonal distribution of five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in the surface water of Harike wetland. The surface water samples were collected from four different stations selected along Harike wetland. Our results indicate As, Cr, and Zn levels were within WHO standards, however, Cd in winter (7.07 µg/L), monsoon (4.45 µg/L), and post-monsoon seasons (3.13 µg/L) exceeded the limits. Pb surpassed the standards in winter (278 µg/L) and monsoon seasons (14.5 µg/L). In winter, Pb and Cd had higher levels, and the pollution level was classified as moderate. Cd, however, was categorized under light pollution status during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The health risk assessment indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for both ingestion and dermal pathways were within the safety limits (HQ < 1 and HI < 1) for both population groups (adults and children). The multivariate statistical analysis reported the correlation and further indicated different sources of heavy metals from nearby industries, agriculture, and mining. This research highlights the importance of continued monitoring and emphasizes the potential for positive environmental changes, as exemplified by the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings hold global relevance and offer valuable input for the development of precise action plans aimed at elevating water quality standards on an international scale.